Marketing VP Exits The Pantry

David Henninger reconnects with Terry Marks at Hooters

CARY, N.C. -- One of the key players in transforming The Pantry to a foodservice-centered, consumer-centric retail chain has left to join his former boss, CSP Daily Newshas learned.

Marketing vice president Dave Henninger, who worked in marketing for more than 11 years at Coca-Cola, joined The Pantry in May 2010 shortly after longtime friend Terry Marks became CEO of the Southeast c-store behemoth.

Henninger, who also worked with Marks at Coke, now rejoins his former boss at Hooters of America as chief marketing officer.

Marks served as president,North America at
Coca-Cola Enterprises, where he worked for more than 20 years before becoming The Pantry’s CEO in 2009. Marks left The Pantry after a two-year stint to become CEO at Hooters, based near his home in Atlanta.

During his 22-month tenure, Marks was credited with bringing in many allies, including Henninger, from his Coke days, ushering in a strong marketing team that helped unite a diverse group of brands under a single store concept, Kangaroo Express, revitalized a subpar foodservice program and cemented an exclusive fuel contract with Marathon.

Henninger, married and father of five, was part of the squad to hatch the Fresh Initiative foodservice program and revitalize the chain’s Bean Street coffee program, including the successful “Battle for Bean Street” coffee contest pitting three colleges in the Raleigh-Durham market.

Henninger’s departure continues a major transition at The Pantry. Weeks ago, the company named veteran grocer executive Dennis Hatchell president and CEO to succeed Marks. Hatchell assumed his position last week.